The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-07-18

s0numentanst, out thoughtful, carr
cat, good citizens. It ought not to b
any longer q matter OF expense witt
the State % to the conduct OF the penj
Tertiary. lam in favor Of more mere,
II Il takes twofold taxes. The Who'll,
system is wrong. The State shout,
have the management OF these con
victs under its immediate supervision
Such q condition OF affairs 10 a dis
grace and humiliating to every decen
citizen. As to young Gambrell, b,
was bright, ambitious ana
think conscientious youp,
man, though overseeing himself IL
his zeal to reform abuses, and make
ready reputation for himself. 1t wa,
his prohibition views, along with hi
severe denunclation OF the conduct o.
the penitentiary, that led to his tragi,
end. ! do not wish TO discuss the case
and would prefer not 10 be quoted al
all In the papers,"
Mr.. Sid ssy, an old.time resident,
hardware merchant, and foreman Of
the coroner's jury Of inquest on the
body OF Gambrell, replied that "au
extra session OF the Legislature is toe
great an expense to the State; besides
there was no necessity for II, as the
Board Of Control could adjust all mat
tiers pertaining to the penitentiary
convicts. As to the lease system, Il
was barbarous, and should not be toll
Grated. Gsmbrell had fallen q victim
to his rohibition views and his crit
ieism OF the penitentiary ring"
Mr.. Watkins, merchant and men,
Der OF the Board OF Aldermen, was
also opposed to called session OF the
Legislature. A new Legislature was
soon to be elected. In the meantime
the B1ara Of Control should rectiiy
the heinous abuses against peniten.
tiary convicts. The first duty OF the
next Legislature should be to abolish
the lease system and place the con-
troll Of the penitentiary directly under
the control OF State officers. His
opinion as to the causes leading to
Gambrelrs being killed was In accord
with that Of Mr.. Subway.
He also went on 10 state that "the
differences which beset the commu.
nifty on account OF the killing Of
Gambrell, would take length OF time
to heal. More bloodshed would fol.
low. The sentiment OF the people
throughout the State was strongly
against Hamilton"
Mr.. Muller, merchant: "No, I do
not think we need any extra session
OF the Legislature, though Il might
probably revive local trade Q little,
which Is practically dead here. / tell
you, this town Ia In Q bad way, ar d
the effect OF this Hamilton Gambrell
affair on everybody and business is
simply terrific. Why, four months
ago you could not rent a house In the
city; now there are over 100 10 let.
As TO the penitentisry ring, II mas long
besn q curse 10 the State, and will con.
tinue TO be 90 long as the leasing sys-
ten Is part OF the States policy. No
one who has not lived In Jackson, and
been acquainted with the men who
are at the head Of II, can ever have
any idea how completely II hes ruled
this city. Oh course Hamilton was It's
recognised head. and to Gambrell's
criticism Of him In that connection,
and his outsp oxen opposition TO Ham.
iiton In the prohibition movement,
may be attributed TO his death. was
an an'i.prohibitionist and opposed to
Gambrell, but that has nothing TO do
with my locating the causes. / have
my own views IS 10 the actual occur
renee, but II is not worth the while to
express them now"
Mr.. Z. L. Montgomery, another
merchant and respected citizen, said:
~ am not In favor OF an extra session.
The Board Of Control have suffi Gent
power 10 handle the penitentiary af.
fairs, and am confident that they
will act promptly. / prefer not TO
express an opinion In the Hamilton
Gambrell affair"
+. v. senter, the leading jswelsr,
replied In the same STRAIN rs Mr..
Montgomery.
A large number OF other citizens and
business men were interviewed on the
came points, and the gi-t Of their re-
plies were OF the same order no the
above named.
The Hon. Arthur Buchanan, men,
Der oil the Legislature from Dssoto
county, was seen on the train, and, In
reply ne 10 whether there should be
an extra session, stated that he was
opposed 10 II, as II would materially
interfere with his business plans; but
II the condition Of the convlcts was
tuch q, depicted In the grand Jury re-.
port, he thought Il the duty OF the
Governor TO investigate the matter at
once, and II necessary 10 call the Leg.
islalure together TO leglslate on the
subject.
This above interviews can leave no
doubt In the mind Of any one az to
the causes leading 10 the killing Of
Gambrell, and tbat 80 far as the less-
Ing Of the peniientiary goes the peo-
Pile are q unit in favor OF It's speedy
and entire abolition.
10 strongly are the lines drawn and
20 acrimonious the feelings OF the fac-
tons, that II is with hesitancy, even
with people Ia Jackson who have
opinions, TO get them TO express them,
especially 10 . newspaper man. Every
man is 90 bis guard, az IL we're.
The newspaper men are all At dag
gers points, with the exception OF
Gen. Henry, Of the Ledger, who has
thus far maintained q dignifsd neu.
trality. All except him are under
bonds 10 Keep the peace, and Martin,
OF the Miesissippian, 10 under
double bond. The fact Ia, Martin
seems 10 be the chief disturbing ele-
ment In the community, and the COM
mendable stand which he st hrst took
In the matter Ia fast falling into ridi-
cule, by reason Of his recent antics In
the way Of playing the bully. or rath.
or, In TACT, attempting 20 initiate the
role Of Hamilton, which he has been
20 free 10 condemn. A visit
10 the penitentiary confirmed
the narrowing description con.
tanned In the grand Jury report az
10 the suffering condition oil the twen-
ty.siI patients now In the hospital. II
10 bat due DIR. Writ Johnson, the ply.
stefan OF the institution, to say that he
has done all In his power 10 alleviate
the sufsrlngs OF these convicts, and
has been willingly aided by superin-
tendent David johnson. These con.
victs did not receive their cruel treat.
...,t Il. Al. .ualla ~ tha .s.ntt.atta 80